Apparatus for casting massive structures



Dec. 11, 1934. H. J. HlcK 1,983,758

APPARATUS FOR CASTING MASSIVE STRUCTURES Filed July 1l, 1932 4 Sheew-SheeI l Dec. 1l, 1934. H, J. HlcK l APPARATUS FOR CASTING MASSIVE STRUCTURES 4 Sheets-Sheet `2 Filed July 1l, 1952 Dec. 11, 1934. H, HlcK APPARATUS FOR CASTING MASSIVE STRUCTURES Filed July ll, 1932 4 Sheecs-Sheet 5 De. 11, 1934. l H, J.' HlCK 1,983,758

APPARATUS FOR CASTING MASSIVE STRUCTURES Filed July ll, 1932 4 Sheets-Shes?l 4 Patented Dec. 11, 1.934

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS FOR CASTING MASSIVE STRUCTURES Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application July 1l, 1932, Serial No. 621,788

6 Claims.

My invention relates to methods and apparatus for casting massive structures, such as grave vaults, septic tanks, and the like, and which may be pre-cast preferably in permanent molds usually from plastic material such as concrete.

The present invention includes improvements of the inventions set forth in my prior application yfor United States Letters Patent for Methods and apparatus for casting massive structures, filed January l5, 1932, Serial No. 586,721, and in my prior application for United States Letters Patent for Methods and apparatus for casting massive structures, led June 7, 1932, Serial No. 615,844, and the present application is also a continuation in part of common sube ject matter set forth in said prior applications.

Generally speaking, casting methods and apparatus available prior to the methods and apparatus of said prior applications, whether particularly adapted for casting structures from plastic material such as concrete, or whether adapted for casting structures from molten metallic material, are primarily designed for intermittent and irregular operation, are relatively slow in operation, and thus involve a relatively high cost in machine and man hours per unity of manufactured product. i

Methods and apparatus adapted for use in continuous production lines must be capable of relatively rapid operation, and always result in a lower cost in machine and man hours per unit of manufactured product, than the oost in machine and man hours per unit of the same manufactured product when produced by slower intermittent and irregular methods.

On the other hand, the casting of massive structures as practiced by the use of the usual methods .and apparatus, involves a relatively high cost in machine and man hours per unit of manufactured product, without considering reductions in cost attainable by the adoption of continuous manufacturing methods, due to the fact that casting single units under ordinary conditions is relatively slow, because excessive manipulation of the molds or forms is required in preparing the same for pouring and in removing the castproduct or structure from the molds.

From another standpoint, in the casting of massive concrete or cement structures as heretofore practiced, particularly when said structures are relatively high or deep dome shells, such as grave vaults, half-sections of septic tanks, or the like, great difficulty has been eX- perienced in avoiding cracking of the wall or walls of the dome shell during setting of the structure after pouring, and heretofore it has always been considered absolutely necessary to permit the cast dome shell structure to reach a final set after pouring before removing any of the molds, and despite Which, losses due to wall cracking have been relatively high.

Accordingly, Common objects of the inventions of said prior applications and of the present invention include the provision of improved methods and apparatus for casting massive structures, whereby a substantial reduction is attained in the machine and man hours required per unit of manufactured product, and by the use of which continuous manufacturing methods may be carried out for casting massive structures.

Further common objects of the inventions of said prior applications and of the present invention include the provision of improved methods i and apparatus for .casting massive structures, whereby the improved apparatus may be operated forcarrying out the improved methods, with rapidity and with a high degree of facility. Further common objects of the inventions of said prior applications and of the present invention include the provision of improved methods and .apparatus for casting massive structures which are'particularly adapted for use in connection'with permanent molds, and by the use of which the .cast structure may be removed from the molds in a minimum period of time after pouring ,the structure, and with 'the requirement ,of a minimum manipulation of the molds in vpreparation for pouring and during removal .of the cast structure from the molds.

Further .common lobjects of the inventions of said prior applications and of the present invention, include the provision of improved methods and .apparatus for kcasting massive high or deep dome shell structures, whereby losses due to -wall cracking are reduced to a minimum. Further common objects of certain of the improvements of said prior applications and of the present invention, include the provision of improved methods and apparatus whereby manipulation of the molds is facilitated, both for assembling the molds for casting, and for stripping the molds from the cast product, and whereby stripping of the cast dome shell structure from ,its inner mold is facilitated, and whereby Vanumber of different dome shell structures, such as grave vaults, half-sections of septic tanks and the like, may be made by the use of similar outer molds and by interchanging inner molds, and whereby the interchanging of the inner molds is facilitated.

By the use only of the improved methods of said prior applications, in a production line equipped only with one of said improved apparatus of either of said prior applications, a production schedule of 5 completed cast massive structures per 24 hour day may be attained.

1n low production plants, heretofore equipped with a relatively small number of old type molds which are assembled and stripped according to the usual old methods of hand manipulation, the use of a single apparatus of either of said prior applications and having as aforesaid a productive capacity of 5 cast structures per day, very greatly reduces the labor and handling costs per cast structure in such a low production plant, since by the usual old methods carried out by the use of hand manipulated molds, a production of only 1-2 cast structures per day, such as grave vaults, has been the usual production schedule in such a plant.

On the other hand, there are certain high production plants, already equipped with a relatively large number of hand manipulated molds, and other auxiliary pouring, drying, and curing apparatus, and the like, and which would greatly benefit by the use of the improved methods and the improved apparatus of said prior applications, but which would be required not only to scrap the already relatively large investments in the hand manipulated molds, but also would be required to make relatively large new investments in a relatively large number of the improved apparatus of either of said prior applications, each of which as aforesaid has a production capacity of substantially 5 cast structures per day, in order that such high production plants may use said improved methods and apparatus and maintain their high production schedules.

The objects of the present invention include the foregoing common objects together with additional objects including the provision of improvements in the methods and apparatus of said prior applications, said improvements being particularly directed to attaining a maximum productive capacity of a plant utilizing the present improved methods and apparatus, whereby a single apparatus including in general the improvements of said prior applications, together with the present improvements, and suitable improved auxiliary equipment, may be utilized to carry out the improved methods of said prior applications and of the present invention, whereby the productive capacity of such a single apparatus and auxiliary equipment may be increased to as much as 4 cast structures per hour, or even greater, thereby enabling the improved methods and apparatus to be used in high production plants at a relatively low additional investment cost, and at the same time the improved methods and apparatus hereof are adapted for use in low production plants, whereby all the benefits of the inventions of said prior applications are enhanced and made economically available for both low production and high production plants by the present invention.

Further particular objects of the present invention include the provision of improvements in the methods and apparatus of said prior applications, whereby cast structures of different sizes and designs may be produced by a single apparatus including in general the improvements of said prior applications, together with the present improvements, and suitable improved auxiliary equipment.

The foregoing and other objects are attained by the methods, apparatus, improvements, combinations, and sub-combinations, which comprise the present invention, and the nature of which is set forth in the following general statement, and preferred embodiments of which are set forth in the following description, and which are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims forming part hereof.

In general terms, the method of making cast structures hereof includes improvements in the methods set forth in my said prior applications, Serial No. 586,721, and Serial No. 615,844, and more particularly includes the use of one or more laterally transportable inner molds, and a laterally transportable outer mold which is separable from the inner mold or molds, and which preferably includes separable members, and the inner and outer molds being preferably vertically movable into and out of position with respect to each other, so as to form a mold cavity or cavities in which the structure is cast with its material in engagement preferably with the outer mold, and after the material of the cast structure has attained an initial set, the outer mold and the cast structure engaged thereby are separated from the inner mold or molds, and some of the members of the outer mold being disengaged and separated from the cast structure, and the cast structure being permitted to attain a nal set while being supported on one of the outer mold members, which is preferably a laterally transportable supporting and lifting member.

The casting apparatus of the present invention includes in general the improvements in casting apparatus setforth in my said prior applications, Serial No. 586,721 and Serial No. 615,844, and more particularly includes laterally transportable inner and outer molds, preferably in the form of mold cars, the mold cars being adapted for being selectively separated from and assembled with each other, each car including mold members, the mold members of the cars forming a mold cavity therebetween when the cars are in assembled position, the outer car preferably comprising a ring car or member engirdling the mold members of the inner car when in the assembled position, and the mold members of the outer mold car being preferably separable from each other and from the ring car, longitudinally spaced jack members or frames, means for simultaneously moving the jack members or frames selectively in either one of opposite directions, preferably upwards and downwards, preferably laterally extending guide or track means extending crosswise of and between the jack members or frames, each car preferably including separate flanged wheel means transportably supporting the car preferably on the guide or track means, means for releasably connecting the outer mold members with the jack members or frames, and preferably the ring car being adapted for supporting engagement with the material of a structure cast in the mold cavity formed when the outer and inner mold cars are in mold cavity forming or assembled position, and the foregoing elementsl being preferably provided with other improved details of construction as are hereinafter more fully set forth.

Preferred embodiments of the improved apparatus hereof, preferably adapted for carrying out and'extendupwardly therefrom at the other sidey the improved methods, are illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming part hereof, iny

which Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of an Y inner and outer mold cars being lin their relaroy tive positions after vassembly for having a gr-ave vault cast between and on theA mol'd and sup'- porting members thereof, when the apparatus is being used on a relatively low production schedule;

Fig. 4, a fragmentary longitudinal vvertical sectional vi'ew thereof as on line 4 4, Fig. 3, and with a grave vault cast between and on the mold and supporting members of the mold cars;

Fig. 5, an end elevation and transverse sectional view of the apparatus as on line -'-5, Fig. 1, illustrating the relative arrangements of the parts just after the grave vault has been cast;

Fig. '6, a view similar to Fig. 5, illustrating the outer mold car with the cast grave vault -separated from the inner mold car by operation of the apparatus to elevate the louter mold car and cast grave vault, and the inner mold car being ready to be rolledlaterally away from the remaining parts of the apparatus;

Fig. 7, a similar view illustrating the side and end members of the4 outer mold car bodily separated from the cast grave vault, the cast grave vault 'resting on the preferred separable lifting and engaging ring member or-"car, and the -r-ing car and the grave vault carried vthereon being ready to be rolled laterally away from the iremaining parts of the casting apparatus;

Fig. 8, an `enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional View of the apparatus, similar to Fig. `5';

Fig. 9, a similar fragmentary transverse sectional view thereof las on line 9 9, Fig. 1;

Fig. 10, a detached isometric view illustrating one of the preferred separable combi-ned engaging and socket forming members, 4preferably -for the outer mold members of the apparatus; and

Fig. 11, a diagrammatic view illustrating ya preferred arrangement of the improved apparatus hereof together with suitable auxiliary equipment for carrying out the preferred improved continuous method thereof.

r'Similar numerals refer "to similar parts throughout the drawings.

The improved casting apparatus is indicated generally rby Y10 and ufor most advantageously carrying out the improved methods, the lower portions of the casting apparatus l0 are preferably located above a pit 1-1 which is located beneath and spanned by -a track 12 which is laid upon the ground or floor '13.'

The casting apparatus V10 includes 'a lbase 14 which rests upon the iioor 13 above the vpit 11 and beneath the track 12. -Laterally spaced corner posts 16u-1 and l16a-2 .are `secured at their lower'ends to one-end -l'a vof the base `14 and extend upwardly therefrom at one side of the vtrack l2; and similarly, laterally fspaced corner posts V16h-1 'and "16h-2 are-securedfa't their lower ends tolthelotlierend 17h of `the base of the track 12.

The upper ends of the posts 16d-1 and 16a-2 are secured to and support a gear mounting and bearing bracket 18a; and similarly, the upper ends of the posts 1612-1 and 16h-2 are secured to and support a gear mounting and bearing bracket 18h.

A jack screw shaft 20a is preferably -located between the posts 16a- 1 and 16d-2, and the shaft l20a 'is journalled at its lower end in the end '17dr of the base 14, and the shaft 20aY is journalled adjacent its upper end in the bracket 18a, and the shaft 2Gaf preferably extends above the bracket 18a, and a bevel gear 21a is secured upon the upper end of the shaft 20a, above one side of the bracket 18a.

u Similarly, a jack screw shaft 2Gb is preferably locatedV between the posts 16h-1 fand 16h-2, and the shaft 20h is journalled at its lower enclin the end 17h lof the `'base 14, and the shaft 20a is journalled adjacent its upper end in the bracket 18D, and the shaft 20a preferably extends above 'the bracket 18h, and a bevel gear 2lb is secured upon the upper end of the shaft 2Gb above one side of the bracket 18h.

The bracket 18a includes an angled arm 220, extending laterally from one side of the bracket and upwardly at one side of the bevel gear 21a; and similarly the bracket 18h includes an angled arm 22h vextending laterally from one vside of the bracket and 'upwardly at one side of the bevel gear 2lb.

The arms 22a. and l12212 are `preferably arranged. as illustrated, "so that the arm 22a is located' between the set of posts 1.6ai-1 and 16a-2, and the set of posts 16h-1 and 16h-2, and the arm 22h is located on the other `or outer side of the set of posts 16h-1 and 1Gb-2.

The arm'22 preferably terminates in a vbearing block 23a which is preferably located above the'bevel'.gear 21a.; and similarly the ar-m 22h terminates in abearing block 23h which is preferably located above the bevel gear 2lb, and the bearing blocks 23a, and 23h have journalled therein a Vdrive shaft 24 which extends longitudinallybetween and through the bearing blocks, asy illustrated.

fA bevel ipinion 25a is secured on the end of the shaft 24 adjacent the bevel gear 21a., and the pinion 1250, -is meshed with lthe gear 21a.

A bevel pinion 25h is secured on the shaft 24 between the bearing blocks 23a and 23h, and the pinion 25h is meshed with 'the gear 2lb.

A chain -drive wheel 26 is secured upon the end of the kshaft 24 on the outer side of the bearing block 23h, and an endless pull chain 27 .may `be meshed with a lsuitably socketed peripheral groove 28 which as illustrated is provided for the chain drive wheel 26.

The chain 27 is preferably of suiiicient length so thatwhen applied to thewheel 26, the chain 27 will hang kdown substantially to the ground level 13, in -order that the chain may be easily grasped by the operator of the apparatus; whereby a -pull on the ychain will cause rotation ofthe wheel 26 and o'f the vshafts 20a and 2Gb, by reason of the above described gearing and drive kshaft v`-connection between the shafts 20a and 20bandthe wheel 26.

Qbviously vthe vdirection of rotation vof the shafts 20a and 20h depends -upon which side portion `of 'the chain 27 is grasped jand pulled by the operator. f

Normal rotation Aof the driveshaft 24 `is preflil erably effected by means of a motor 60 which is mounted on a base channel 61 extending be,- tween and'being supported on the brackets 18a and 18h.

The motor 60 is operatively connected with the shaft 24 as by means of a pinion 62 secured on one end of the motor shaft 63 and meshed with a gear 64 which is secured on the drive shaft 24.

The motor 60 is a reversing motor, and is supplied with power from any usual power line, not shown, and is controlled by any usual reversing switches and suitable auxiliary controlling apparatus, not shown. v

The bevel pinions a and 25h are the same size and have the same number of teeth, and the bevel gears 21a and 2lb are the same size and have the same number of teeth, and accordingly the jack screw shafts 20a and 2Gb rotate at the same speed.

The threads of the jack screw shafts 20a and 2Gb have the same pitch, and the shaft` 20a is screw connected with a jack frame 70a which is slidably mounted on and thus guided by the posts 16a-1 and 16a- 2.

Similarly, the jack screw shaft 2Gb is screw connected with a jack frame 7Gb which is slidably mounted on and thus guided by the posts 16b-1 and 16h-2.

Accordingly the jack frames 70a and '70h will be raised or lowered simultaneously, and at the same speed, depending upon the direction of rotation of the jack screw shafts 20a and 2Gb. In other words the improved apparatus 10 includes the longitudinally spaced jack frames 70a and 7Gb, and means for simultaneously raising and lowering the jack frames preferably at the same speed.

As illustrated, the jack frame 70a preferably includes longitudinally spaced and laterally and transversely extending web members 71a, and transversely spaced laterally extending upper and lower ribs 48a which are supported between the web members 71a; and the ribs 48afhave formed therein guide bearing apertures 72a--1 and '22a-2 which slidably lit respectively on the posts 1611-1 and 16a-2; and the upper rib 48a of the jack frame 70a has formed therein an aperture 72a-3 through which the screw shaft 20a, slidably extends; and the lower` rib 48a of the jack frame '70a has secured therein a nut 49a, and the shaft 20a extends through and screws in the nut 49a.

Similarly as illustrated, the jack frame 7Gb preferably includes longitudinally spaced and laterally and transversely extending web members 71h, and transversely spaced laterally extending upper and lower ribs 48h which are supported between the web members 71h; and the ribs 48h have formed therein guide bearing apertures 72b-1 and 72b-2 which slidably iit respectively on the posts 16hl and 1Gb-2; and the upper rib 481) of the jack frame '70h has formed therein an aperture 72b-3 through which the screw shaft 20h slidably extends; and the lower rib 48h of the jack frame '7Gb has secured therein a nut 49D, and the shaft 20h extends through and screws in the nut` 49D.

Members forming improved inner and outer transportable molds, preferably mold cars, indicated generally by 29 and 32, respectively, may be moved, preferably by rolling on the track 12, into location above the base 14 and between the `posts 16a-1 and 16a-2, and the posts 16h-1 and 16h-2,- ancl the height of these posts is such that the distance between the base 14 and the brackets 18a and 18D is preferably over twice the overall height of the mold forming members, for enabling the preferred operation of the apparatus for carrying out the improved method, as will be hereinafter set forth in greater detail.

As is hereinafter set forth in greater detail, the jack frames 70a and 7Gb provide a releasable supporting or elevator means for the outer transportable mold 32, whereby the outer mold 32 may be raised, lowered, or maintained at any desired elevation, during operation of the apparatus, after being moved with the inner transportable mold 29 into position between the jack frames 70a and 70h.

The improved transportable molds preferably mold cars 29 and 32 as illustrated are arranged for making grave vaults. The inner transportable mold 29 includes a dome-shaped mold shell 29-1.

The inner mold shell 29--1 includes longitudinally spaced laterally extending end walls 29--1a and 29-1b the side corners of which are connected by and merge with the end corners of longitudinally extending laterally spaced side walls 29-1c and 29-1d and the upper corners of the side and end walls are connected by and merge with the outer corners of a top wall 29-1e.

From the lower corners of the end and side walls thereextends inwardly a peripheral flange 29--1f by which the dome-shaped inner shell member 29-1 is secured to lthe ends of trucks 30a. and 30h which are longitudinally spaced from each other and extend laterally with respect tothe mold shell 29-1. The truck 30a has journalled therein laterally spaced flanged wheels 31a which roll on the rail 12a of the track 12 and similarly the truck 30h has journalled therein flanged wheels 31h which roll on the rail 12b of the track 12.

In other words the trucks and wheels comprise separate means transportably supporting the preferred moldcar 29 on the track 12.

The outer transportable mold preferably a mold car, is indicated generally by 32, and is preferably formed of separable members, and is adapted for being moved into and out of position with respect to the inner mold 29, so that when the molds are in mold cavity forming position, a mold cavity indicated generally by C is formed between the outer and inner molds.

As illustrated, the outer transportable mold 32 includes a laterally extending end wall meinber 32a whose inner face is longitudinally spaced from the outer face of the outer end wall 29-1a of the inner mold shell 29--1 when the molds are assembled in mold cavity forming position.

Similarly, the outer mold 32 also includes aV laterally extending end wall member 32h whose inner face is longitudinally spaced from the outer face of the outer end wall 29-1b of the inner mold shell 29-1 when the molds are assembled in mold cavity forming position.

The outer mold 32 furthermore includes a longitudinally extending side wall member 32e whose inner face is laterally spaced from the outer faces of the side wall 29-1c of the inner mold shell 29-1, when the molds are assembled in mold cavity forming position.

Similarly, the outer mold 32 includes a longitudinally extending side wall member 32d whose inner face is laterally spaced from the outer faoesfof `the side wall 2.9-111 of .the inner mold shell 29-1, when .the ,molds are assembled. in mold cavity forming position.

For permitting movement of the side wall members of the outer mold 32 away from the outer side surfaces of the product vcast in the mold cavity C, after the product vhas set, and thereby vfacilitating stripping of the side and end wail members of the outer mold from the cast product, the outer mold side wall members 32o and '32d extend between and are adjustably mounted on opposite side portions of the outer mold end wall members 32a and 3212.

For the purpose of thus adjustably mounting the outer mold side wall member 82d on one set of similar side portions of the outer mold end wail members 32a and 321i, as illustrated, the outer mold end wall member 32a includes at one side thereof a side member 7305-1 which extends longitudinally from the inner face of the end wall member 32a towards the end wall member B2b. The side member 73a-1 is provided with a transversely and laterally extending flange 790,-1 which protrudes outwardly from the side member 7305-1, and which has formed therein a plurality of apertures 80.

'The adjacent end of the outer mold side wall member 82d is provided with a transversely and 'laterally extending end ange Sla-1 which protrudesoutwardly from the side wall member 32d, and which abutsagainst the flange 79a-1 of the side member '13a-1, and the iiange 81st-l is provided with a plurality of laterally extending slots 82 which register withthe apertures 80 in the iiange 7911-1.

The outer mold end wall member 32h includes, at its side similar to the side of the outer mold end wall member 32a having the side member 73a-1 thereon, a side member 731)-1 which is similarly provided with a flange 7912-1 having apertures 80 formed therein, and the end of the outer mold side wall member 32d adjacent the flange 7917-1 is similarly provided with an end flange 8111-1 abutting against the flange 7911-1, and the iange 8111-1 is similarly provided with a plurality of laterally extending slots 82 which register with the apertures 80 in the flange 7911-1.

Bolts 83 and nuts 84 are provided, as illustrated, for connecting the end flanges Sla-1 and 8112-1, respectively, with the flanges 7960-1 and 79 b-l, and the shank of one of the bolts 83 extends through each registering aperture 80 and slot 82, and the head of each bolt abuts against an outer face of one of the abutting flanges, and one of the nuts 84 is screwed on the threaded outer end of each bolt 83 and clamps against the outer face of the other abutting flange, thereby permitting clamping of the side wall member 32d in the normal position for casting as best illustrated in Fig. 3, with the Shanks of the bolts 83 located in the outer ends of the slots 82.

When it is desired to displace the outer mold side wail member 32d away from the inner molds 29, it is only necessary to loosen the nuts 84, and to pry the side wall member 32d, in the desired direction.

For the purpose of facilitating the desired displacement of the side wall member 32d by prying with a crow bar or the like, the side member iianges 7901-1 and 7919-1 are provided with notches 85, and a tongue flange 8611-1 is provided on the ange 8111,-1 and overlaps the notches 85 of the flange 79a-1, and the flange 8112-1.is,provided with a vtongue iiange 861;-1 overlappingthe notches 85 of the flange 7911-1. `Accordingly, Vwhen the'side wall member A32d is in the normal Vposition for casting illustrated in Fig. '3, and after the nuts 84 have been looscned, 'the end 'of Ya crow bar may be inserted in reach notch 85, and pried against the voverlapping 'flage VSta-1 or 85612-1, whereby lthe outer lmold'side wall 'member 32d will be displacedaway 'from the inner `mold 29.

As illustrated, the outermold side wall member 32o is .adjustably mounted on the lother set of similar side 'members 7360-2 and 7311-2 vof the outer mold end wall members 32a and 3219, in manner similar f to the vpreferred adjustable mounting just'd'escribed Vof the side wall member 32d on the side members 73a-`1 and :73E-1, the end Vwall member '32a being provided with a 'lila-2 protruding outwardly from the side members v73a-2, and the end wall member 3219 being vprovided vwith a flange 7913-2 'protruding outwardly from the 'side member 7319-2, and ajplurality of apertures 80 being provided in 'each `ofthe nanges 79o-2 and 7913-2, and the .side wall member 32e being provided with end flanges 81st-Zand 'SIb-2, and the end flanges Sla-2 and 8112-2 'being provided with a' plurality of laterally extending slots 82 which register -with the apertures 80 in the flanges 19a-2 fand79b-`2, and bolts 83 and nuts 84 adjustably v connecting the flanges Sla-2 and 8112-2, respectively, lwith the anges 7911-2 and 7913-2. 5

The iianges '7911-2 'and 795-2 are likewise providedwith notches 85, and the ilanges Sla-2 and 8119-2 are likewise provided respectively with overlapping tongue flanges 8611-2 and 8612-2.

'The outer'mold v32 also includes a supporting and lifting ring member, preferably a car, indicated generally by 36 which includes longitudinally spaced laterally extending end sections 36a and 361) connected at their extremities with the extremitiesof laterally spaced longitudinally extending side sections 36e and 36d.

The ring ledge member 36 may be channelshaped as illustrated, and is preferably removably secured to the outer mold side wall members 32a and 32d.

For this purpose, transversely spaced longitudinally extending ribs 38, and longitudinally spaced transversely extending ribs 39 preferably protrude from the outer face of each of the outer mold side wall members 32e and 32d, and the ring ledge member 36 is provided preferably in its outer channel legs with a plurality of apertures 40 each of which may be alined with one of a plurality of apertures 41 formed in the opposite lowermost ribs 3S of the side members, whereby the ring ledge member may be separably supported from the lower ends of the members of the outer mold 32, as by means of hook bolts 42 and nuts 43, the shank of each bolt eX- tending through one of the apertures 41, and the hook head of each bolt as illustrated extending through one of the apertures 40 and abutting against the underside of the web of the channelshaped ring ledge member, and one of the nuts 43` being screwed on the threaded end of each bolt against the opposed rib 38.

Oppositely ilanged wheels 44e are longitudinally spaced with reference to the ring ledge member section 36e, and each wheel 440 is journalled in a bracket 45e which is secured to the outer side of the ring ledge member section 36o.

CTI

Similarly, oppositely flanged wheels 44d are longitudinally spaced with reference to the ring ledge member section 36d, and each wheel 44d is journalled in a bracket 45d which is secured to the outer side of the ring ledge member section 36d.

The spacing of the wheels is of the proper gauge so as to roll on the track 12, and the wheels comprise means transportably supporting the ring car, and thus the outer mold car on the track 12.

A relatively narrow lower longitudinally extending portion 46c of the side wall member 32e is laterally and outwardly offset with respect to the remaining upper longitudinally extending portion 47C.

Similarly, a relatively narrow lower longitudinally extending portion 46d of the side wall member 32d is laterally and outwardly offset with respect to the remaining upper longitudinally extending portion 47d.

Accordingly, the spacing of the inner faces of the lower portions 46c and 46d from the opposite portions respectively of the outer faces of the side walls of the inner molds is greater than the spacing of the inner faces of the upper portions ll'ic and 17d respectively from the outer faces of the side walls of the inner molds.

Longitudinally spaced combined socket forming and engaging members 50 may be separably secured upon the inner face of the lower portion 16o of the side wall member 32o and likewise upon the inner face of the lower portion 46d of the side wall member 32d, as by means of cap screws 51, the Shanks of which extend through apertures provided in the side members 32e and 32d and the threaded ends of which screw into threaded apertures 52 provided in the socket forming and engaging members 50.

For facilitating stripping of the cast product from the inner mold shell, the top wall of the inner mold shell is preferably provided with a plurality of air valve openings 90, in the upper end of each of which valve disk 91 is seated, and means such as a spring yoke 92 is secured to the lower face of each valve disk 91 for limiting the displacement of each valve disk from its seat.

For enabling the production of different size vaults and the like, or in other words dome shell products having different internal and external dimensions, a standard size ring member 36 may be adopted, (and a ring plate 36-1 may be interposed between the ring member 36 and the lower portions of the side and end wall members of the outer mold 32, and the dimensions and form of the inner periphery 36-1' of each ring plate 36-1 is such as to slidably t around the side and end faces of the particular inner mold shell 29-1 being used, whereby the portions 36-1 of the upper face of the ring plate 36-1 located between the outer faces of the side and end walls of the inner mold shell 29-1 and the inner faces of the side and end wall members of l the cuter mold 32, provides a supporting and lifting ledge for a cast structure which may be cast between the inner and outer molds as hereinafter set forth in greater detail.

1n order to permit lifting of any inner mold 29 by means of any ring member 36, preferably when the ring member is connected as aforesaid with the outer mold side and end wall members, the legs of each channel-shaped ring ledge member 36 are provided with apertures 99, whereby bolt Shanks may be inserted through the apertures 99 so that the inner ends of the bolt shanks are located below the flange 29-1f of the inner mold shell 29-1, whereby the inner mold 29 may be lifted by elevating the ring member 36.

As hereinbefore set forth, the jack frames '10a and '10b provide a releasable supporting or elevator means for the outer transportable mold 32, whereby the outer mold may be raised, lowered, or maintained at any desired elevation, during operation of the apparatus after being moved into position, usuallyi with the inner transportable mold 29, between the jack frames 70a and '701).

Means for releasably connecting the outer mold 32 with the jack Vframes are preferably provided, and may include as illustrated, laterally spaced and vertically extending lifting and connector flanges a-1 and 120a-2 which are provided on the jack frame r10a, and which are adapted to register respectively with similarly arranged and positioned lifting and connecting flanges 12111-1 and l21a-2 which are provided on the outer corners of the outer mold end wall member 32a.

Similarly, laterally spaced and vertically extending lifting and connector flanges 12013-1 and 12019-2 are provided on the uiack frame '101), and are adapted to register respectively with similarly arranged and positioned lifting and connecting anges 12113-1 and 12113-2 which are provided on the outer corners of the outer mold end wall member 3219.

Each of the flanges 120er-1 and 120er-2 has preferably formed therein a plurality of notches 122, and each of the flanges 12M-1 and 12m-2 has formed therein a plurality of notches 123, each of which registers with one of the notches 122. The flanges 12011-1 and 12013-2 are similarly provided with notches 122, and the flanges 12119-1 and 12117-2 are likewise similarly provided with notches 123 registering with the notches 122 of the flanges 12017-1 and 1201)-2.

Each set of registering notches 122 and 123 is adapted for receiving preferably swinging bolt means indicated generally by 125, whereby each set of registering lifting and connector flanges may be connected with each other.

Each bolt means 125 preferably includes a swinging bolt 126 having a pivot head 127 which is pivotally mounted on one of the lifting and connecting anges of one of the jack frames, and the shank of each bolt 126 being adapted to be swung through one of the notches 122 and into and out of the notch 123 registered therewith. Each bolt 126 has a threaded outer end, whereby a nut 128 may be screwed thereon.

For facilitating lateral movement preferably by rolling on the track 12 of each outer transportable mold 32 into and out of position for being connected with the jack frames 70a and '7012, a clearance is preferably provided between the jack frame connecting flanges 12011-1 and 120-2 and the outer mold connecting flanges 12m-l and 12111-2, and', between the jack frame connecting flanges 12012-1 and 12017-2 and the outer mold connecting flanges 12111-1 and 12117-2.

Preferably a plurality of wedge screws are screwed in suitable threaded apertures in each of the jack frame flanges 12011-1, 120er-2, 1201;-1, and 12013-2, whereby when the molds are positioned between the jack frames so that the notches 122 and 123 are registering with each other, the wedge screws 150 may be adjusted so as to wedge their inner ends against the outer faces of the connecting flanges ofthe outer mold 32.

Accordingly the nuts 128 screwed on the swinging bolts 126 provide a further clamping action tending to clamp the outer mold lifting and connecting flanges against the inner ends of the wedge screws 150, and with the shanks of the swingingbolts 126 being then positioned to transmit the entire load of the outer mold 32 and any structure cast in engagement therewith, to the jack frames 70a and 7022.

For further facilitating lifting of the outer mold by the jack frames, the upper end of each lifting and connecting flange of each of the outer mold end wall members, is preferably provided with a hook flange 129 which overlaps the registering upper end of one of the lifting and connecting flanges of one of vthe jack frames, when the outer mold is rolled into position so that the lifting and connecting flanges register with each other. Y

For securing the inner transportablemold 29 in position to permit stripping operations of the apparatus, releasable clamp means indicated generally by 131er are provided onthe truck 30a for releasably securing the truck 30a to the rail 12a, and similar releasable clamp means 13117 are provided on the truck'BOb for releasably securing the same to the rail 12b.

Operation of the clamping means 131a and 1312; may be effected from the pit 11.

As illustrated in the drawings, the apparatus is arranged for making cast concrete grave vaults, each of which is indicated generally by 11i), and each of which comprises a relatively high dome shell having laterally extending longitudinally spaced end walls lllal and 1112), the sides of which are connected by and merge with the ends of longitudinally extending laterally spaced side walls 1110 and 1111i, and the upper ends of the side and end walls are connected by and merge with the outer portions of a top wall All the walls are preferably formed of reinforced concrete, as illustrated. l

The grave vault 110 is a'bottom seal vault, and the top wall 111e is transversely arched, its inner arch surface being formed by suitably arching the top wall 29-1e of the inner mold shell 29-1, and the outer arch surface of the vault top wall 111e being preferably determined by the contour of the top faces of the outer mold end wall members 32a and B2b, which may be used as striking off faces during casting of a Vault 110.

For facilitating forming the heel portions at each side of the arch top Wall 111e, a curved heel plate 140e is preferably removably hinge mounted at the upper end of the outer mold side wall member 32C, and similarly a curved heel plate 140d is preferably removably hinge mounted at the upper end of the outer mold side wall member 32d. y

The improved apparatus 10 may be operated on a relatively low production schedulev or on a high production schedule. l

In using the improved apparatus 10 for operation under a relatively low production schedule, the several parts may be arranged as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, the heel plates 140e andV 140d may be swung back from the normal heel forming position illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, to the position illustrated in Fig. 7, the socket forming members are removably secured on the outer mold side wall members as aforesaid, reinforcing R is applied about the inner molds and between the inner and outer molds, and concrete is poured first between the sides of the inner and outer molds, with a vibrator preferably being operated against one or more of the outer mold members.

After the side walls of the vault 110 have been poured, the heel plates 140e and 140d are swung to the forming positions illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, and more concrete is applied over the top wall of the inner mold for forming the corn'- plete dome shell vault structure 110, as illustrated in Figs. 4 to 7 inclusive.

The material of the dome shell structure 110 thus cast has its lower ends in engagement with the upper portions 36-1' of the ring plate 36--1 which is as aforesaid laid upon the ring member 36, and the side walls of the cast structure 110 are also in engagement with the socket forming members 50.

After the cast structure has set for substantially 31/2 hours,'the drive shaft 24 is rotated in the proper direction either by the motor or the chain 27, so as to rotate the shafts 20a and 2Gb in the direction to separate the outer mold 32 and the cast structure engaged thereby from the inner molds 29, by elevating the outer mold 32 and the cast structure engaged thereby from the casting position, illustratedin Figs. r1, 2, 3, 4, and 5', to the intermediate position, illustrated in Fig. 6.

, Stripping of the cast structure from the inner molds is facilitated by theair valve openings 90 each provided as aforesaid with a valve disk 91, the operation of Awhich to admit air beneath the inner faces of thetop of the cast structure prevents formation of a vacuum between the cast structure and the inner molds.

The clamping means 13111l and 131b on the inner transportable mold 29 are then released from engagement with the rails 12a and 12b, respectively, and the inner transportable mold 29 is rolled on the track 12 laterally away from the apparatus 10. v

The drive shaft 24 is then reversely rotated so as to lower the outer mold 32, the ring 36, and the cast structure 1 10 back to its lowermost position, with the wheels of the ring 36 resting on the rails of the track 12.

The nuts 43 are then unscrewed from the bolts 42, and the bolts 42 are removed from the registering apertures 40 and 4l, whereby the lifting ring member 36 and ring plate 36-1 are disengaged from the side and end wall members of the outer mold 32.

The cap screws 51.are also unscrewed and removed, Whereby the socket forming members 50 are disengaged from the side-members 32o andA 32d of the outer mold 32.

Also, the side members of the outer mold 32 are preferably displaced away from the inner molds and the cast structure, as heretofore described.

The drive shaft 24 is then again rotated so as to again elevate the displaced side and end members of the outer` mold 32 to the position illustrated in Fig. 7, wherein the side and end members are separated from the Vring memben 36, and the ring member 36 with its green cast structure 110 supported and engaged thereon may then be rolled on the track 12 laterally away'from the apparatus, so that the cast structure 110 may attain a final set away from the apparatus.

*bers, together with another set of handle members 50, and the reassembled transportable mold 32 is then positioned about another transportable Y inner mold 29 which is laterally rolled into posi- Y tion beneath the reassembled outer mold 32,

and the parts of the casting apparatus are then in the proper arrangement, so that another structure can be immediately poured, as aforesaid.

Each structure thus cast and removed from the apparatus, with its material in the conditionwof initial set, is rolled on its own ring member 36 to any desired location for seasoning and final hardening. ,Y f

In the method of using the apparatus as thus described, for lowY production operation, the pouring ofi'the concrete is eifected when the mold members are in position between the jack frames or members and connected therewith, as aforesaid. i

Low production operation of the apparatus, requires a minimum investment in the apparatus. n

High ormass production operation of the apparatus may be carried out as illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. l1, by the use of a concretemixer 160, Vlocatedalong the track 12 at one side of the jack frame parts and elevating means therefor of the apparatus indicated generally by l0', and by the use of a plurality of ring members or cars 36, a plurality of inner transportable molds or mold cars 29, 29', andY 29, a plurality of sets of outer mold side and Yend members, each indicated generallyV by 232 and 232', and preferably an overhead conveyer track system indicated generally by 161, which operatively mounts in a usual manner a traveling crane hoist 162.

Y The bottom seal vault structure as aforesaid has an arched top wall 111e.

The bottom seal vault 110 may be cast by the use of a set of outer mold side and end members 232, a ring member or ring car'36, and a transportable inner mold car 29 as aforesaid.

'Iop seal vaults 110', each of which is generally similar to the bottom seal vault 110, but which includes a at wall corresponding to the wall 111e of Vthe vault 110, may be made by the use of a set of outer mold side and end members 232' associated with a ring car 36 and an innerI mold car 29', in a manner generally similar to the mold arrangements for the bottom seal vault 110, with the exception that arch heel plates are eliminated from the outer mold members 232', and the top of each innerV mold car 29 is at. Y Y

Similarly, septic tank half-sections as .set forth ingggreaterrdetail in my prior application, Serial No. 615,844, may be made by the use of a set 0f outer mold members 232', Ya ring car 36, and an inner mold car 219", which generally function with respect to each other in a manner similar to that described for the mold cars for the vault 110.

It hasn been found that the inner mold car, and the side and end members of the outer mold cars, may be removed from each cast structure 31/2 hours after pouring'.

It has also been found that by the use of one Vmixer, each structure may be pouredV in substantially l hour.

It has also been found that by the use of the jack frame and elevator apparatus 10', purely for stripping and assembling the mold cars, there is required substantially 1/2 hour for each stripping and assembling operation.

Accordinglysubstantially continuous productionwmay be'effected by the use of 9 complete assembled units of mold cars, and a plurality of additional ring cars for the outer mold cars, whereby '7 cast structures may be attaining im'- tial set in a row ofthe units between the jack frame and elevator apparatus 10' and the mixer 160,n and during each half hour, atV one end of therow of units, one assembled unit of mold carsY may be arranged for having a structure cast therein from the mixer 160, and during'each half hour, at the other end of the-row of units, the jack frame and elevator apparatus 10 iirst strips a cast structure 110, and then reassembles another unit of the mold cars. Y

YYThe reassembling of each unit of mold cars is effected preferably by the use of the traveling crane 162, by which a ring member 36 may be broughtto and lowered about each disassembled inner mold car, which as illustrated is a car 29 which has preferably been rolled towards the mixer from the apparatus 10', and the cast structure 110' which has been stripped from the inner mold car 29 is preferably rolled on its supporting ring car 36 to the other side of the .apparatus 10. 1

After another unit of mold cars is assembled by the -use of an additional ring car 36, the inner mold car 29', and the outer mold members 232 supported between the jack frames 70a and 7Gb, as illustrated in Fig. 11, the reassembled unit of mold cars may be then carried on the traveling crane 162 on the track system 161 over the units of mold cars in which structures have been cast, and over the unit of mold cars in which a structure is being cast, beyond the mixer 160, ready to be rolled up to position adjacent the mixer for havingV another structure cast.

I claim:

1.'CastingV apparatus including an inner car and* an outer car, the cars being adapted for being selectively separated from and assembled with each other, each car including independent'supporting means, mold members on each car; the mold members on the cars ,forming a mold cavity therebetween when the cars are in assembled position, one of the cars constituting a supporting car and being adapted for supporting engagement with the material of a structure cast in the mold cavity, and the supporting car being arranged for bodily elevation with the cast structure above the other car.

2. Casting apparatus including an inner car and an outer car, the cars being adapted for being selectively separated from and assembled with each other, each car including independent supporting means, mold members on each car, the mold members on the cars forming a mold cavity therebetween when the cars are in assembled position, and the mold members on one of the cars being separable from the car, the

car having the separable mold members constituting a supporting car and being located in the assembled position for supporting engagement with the material of a structure cast in the mold cavity, and the supporting car being arranged for bodily elevation with the cast structure above the other car.

3. Casting apparatus including an inner car and an outer ring car, the cars being adapted for being selectively separated from and assembled with each other in relative positions in which the ring car engirdles the inner car, each car including independent supporting means, mold members on each car, the mold members on the cars forming a mold cavity therebetween when the cars are in assembled position, the mold members on the ring car beingseparable from the ring car, the ring car being located in the assembled position for supporting engagement with the material of a cast structure cast in the mold cavity, and the ring car being arranged for bodily elevation with the cast structure above the other car.

4. Casting apparatus including an inner car and an outer car, the cars being adapted for being selectively separated from and assembled with each other, each car including independent supporting means, mold members on each car, the mold members on the cars forming a mold cavity therebetween when the cars are in assembled position, one of the cars constituting a supporting car and being adapted for supporting engagement with the material of a structure cast in the mold cavity, and the supporting ear being arranged for bodily elevation with the cast structure above the other car, and means for selectively separating and assembling the cars.

5. Casting apparatus including an inner car and an outer car, the cars being adapted for being selectively separated from and assembled with each other, each car including independent supporting means, mold members on each car, the mold members on the cars forming a mold cavity therebetween when the cars are in assembled position, and the mold members on one of the cars being separable from the car, the car having the separable mold members constituting a supporting car and being located in the assembled position for supporting engagement with the material of a structure cast in the mold cavity, and the supporting car being arranged for bodily elevation with the cast structure above the other ear, and means for selectively elevating the supporting car with the cast structure above the other car and for elevating the separable mold members of the supporting car above the cast structure.

6. Casting apparatus including an inner car and an outer ring car, the cars being adapted for being selectively separated from and assembled With each other in relative positions in which the ring car engirdles the inner car, each car including independent supporting means, mold members on each car, the mold members on the cars forming a mold cavity therebetween when the cars are in assembled position, the mold members on the ring car being separable from the ring car, the ring car being located in the assembled position for supporting engagement with the material of a east structure cast in the mold cavity, and the ring ear being arranged for bodily elevation with the cast structure above the other car, and means for selectively elevating the supporting car with the cast structure above the other car and for elevating the separable mold members of the supporting car above the cast structure.

HARRY J. HICK. 

